Takht-e-Bahi Buddhist monastery is one of the most impressive and well preserved pieces of Gandhara architecture in Pakistan. It is situated 14 km northwest of Mardan on the road to Swat (2 ½ hour drive from Islamabad).

The reputation of Takht-e-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is based partially on the extraordinarily good state of preservation and partially on its glorious location. The site itself is located on the northern flanks of a rocky spur rising 150 meters (500 ft) above the plains.

On a clear day you can see across the plains as far as Peshawar on one side, and the Malakand pass and the Swat hills on the other. The monastery and stupas were founded in the 1st. Century AD and abandoned in the 7th century AD.

If you want, you may also enjoy the famous local cuisine of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori nan from one of the famous kabab shops in Takht-e-Bahi bazaar!

Trip Itinerary

• Departure from Islamabad at 08:00 a.m. (Assembly Point: In front of United Bakery, Supper Market F-6, Islamabad at 7:45 a.m.)
• Travel on Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway.
• Short stay on the way for toilet break and get refreshments
• Take road to Mardan.
• Arrival at Takht-e-Bahi
• Visit historical site of Takht-e-Bahi along with a local guide
• Return to main road and stop at local restaurant for a break
• Enjoy lunch of “Chapli Kabab” and tandoori nan. (Bring your own refreshments, if you like)
• Departure for Islamabad 3:30 pm
• Arrival at Islamabad at around 6:30 pm.

Shah Allah Ditta caves and few more miles up to the Losar Baoli, are two historic sites in the Margalla Hills...

Archaeological evidence indicates that the caves and the platform-like formations surrounding the area were first used for meditation by Buddhist monks and later by Hindu sadhus- before Muslim ascetics took over during the Mughal period.

Marked on the ground close to the caves is the location where Alexander arrived and was received by Raja Ambi, King of Taxila. The road next to the caves that leads to the main top of the mountain, Shah Allah Ditta road, is said to be built on the exact path followed by Pashtun emperor Sher Shah Suri during his visit.

Moving up the mountain from the caves, there is a stepwell called Losar Baoli. The Baoli is thought to have been constructed by the Emperor Sher Shah Suri in order to facilitate the caravans moving towards Kabul via Taxila.

The Ride is a slightly tough but very scenic on the uphill stretch towards Losar Baoli.Those who do not want to attempt the last uphill part can wait or return from the Shah Allah Ditta caves. Do inform the coordinators if you are turning back!

Documentary/ Presentation/Conversation

The Koochi nomads of Afghanistan belong to the Ghalji Tribe who are the largest migratory people on the planet, numbering about 2.5 Million. They traverse within Afghanistan-from North to South and in and out of Pakistan- on a seasonal basis, looking for greener pastures where they can feed their livestock, which are mostly goats and sheep.

A very conservative society, they maintain a safe distance from interference by the locals, and shun photography very strictly, especially of their women folk.This centuries old culture maybe coming to an end, because of the construction of fences and blockage of movement of these tribes…

Between 2006 -2008, approximately 100,000 nomads were included in a survey/research which covered the entire borderline with Afghanistan -between Pishin (Baluchistan) and up to the Mohmand tribal agency, in the KP province.

The producer/scriptwriter of this documentary Abid Zareef Khan- President & CEOof his NGO the Zareef Khan Foundation (ZKF) had the fortunate opportunity to film this century’s old culture of survival and existence- The information has been tabulated scientifically, and is in possession of the NGO-ZKF.

Join us for a taste of the delicious Bohra community cuisine!

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community lives in over 40 countries- starting from Yemen moving to Indian Gujrat and then to various cities of Pakistan -mainly Karachi, Hyderabad and Rawalpindi.

The meal is served with a in a large round thaal (platter) with 8-10 people eating from it, mostly seated on the floor. The unique cuisine blends with local tastes, while retaining its Arabic, Mughlai and Gujrati flavours .

Traditionally,the meal starts with a pinch of salt to clear the gut, cleanse the palate and to help fight several diseases.
We have selected the most popular items for you to savour! Chicken Bohra Biryani, Naan / Kaari Chawal, Dum Qeema, Potato in green masala with different chutnies, Vegetable Dhokla, Qeema cutlets, Dum Qeema, Khaman Dhokla, Kheer Puri.
Some of these dishes will be demonstrated and others served along with a 'cultural' briefing by Munira and her husband Oowais who run Moni’s Food in Rawalpindi - catering to the their own community- and others that have an appreciation for this special cuisine!

In conversation with Zahid Hussain...

In His introduction to the book, journalist Ghazi Salahuddin states, 'In a larger perspective, Zahid Hussain's interviews of Benazir Bhutto that he had done for the news monthlies Herald and Newsline,underline the essential role that journalism plays in the compilation and understanding of history...'

The story begins in 1986 when Benazir Bhutto returned home to lead her party's struggle against the military dictatorship of General Zia ul-Haq and ends in her tragic assassination in 2007. Zahid Hussain enjoyed a long association with Benazir Bhutto as a journalist and got the rare opportunity to observe her political journey up close.

'Face to Face with Benazir' is a compilation of interviews of the late Benazir Bhutto ( twice-elected Prime Minister of Pakistan) published in the Herald and Newsline magazines from 1986 to 2002. They provide rare insights into Benazir's thoughts and struggles during her tumultuous life.

Zahid Husain is an award- winning journalist and author. A former correspondent of Times of London and the Wall Street Journal, he has authored several books including 'Frontline Pakistan', 'The Scorpion's Tail' and 'No Win War- the paradox of US- Pakistan relations in Afghanistan's Shadow' .

'Face to Face with Benazir' is his latest offering!

The western parts of the Margalla have a unique terrain of hills that provide a great hiking experience and this time of the year is certainly the best season to explore the Kainthla trails & Trail 7!

We will gather at the parking of F-9 Park at Bolan Gate (F-10 facing) and car pool to reach the Trail 7 trailhead which is near D-12. Alternatively you can meet us directly at the trailhead parking.

Hike rating is moderate as the total distance is around 8Km loop. If you dont want to do the complete hike,you can turn back from the first main viewpoint which will be after 2 Km. (Total hike: 4 Km ).

Wear sturdy shoes and bring refreshments.

Self- Drive

Another unique farming initiative... join us for a visit to one of the few local farms to have successfully grown ginger in Pakistan!

Ginger- known as 'adrac' in the Subcontinent, is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems about one meter tall, bearing narrow leaf blades.

Nishtar Farms is located in Chak Shahzad and is approximately is 15 acres in size. We will be given an informative tour of the farm by our host, Kassim Nishtar and will also have an opportunity to buy farm produce.

Please bring a good pair of walking shoes, hat/cap, water bottle, small scissors/cutters, basket/bag for vegetables

Please bring along refreshments for a picnic!

An opportunity not to be missed!

'Because of the Chinese diaspora and historical power of the country, Chinese cuisine has profoundly influenced many other cuisines in Asia and beyond, with modifications made to cater to local palates... '

Madame Wu Yanchun at her home kitchen- with spices brought from China - will demonstrate /present the truly authentic Chinese cuisine! The delicious menu representing the different regions of her country. will include: soup; fish, chicken, vegetables, beef dishes; noodles; and rice...

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER !

‘THUMRI’: LOVE, LONGING & COQUETRY IN MUSIC

SUB-CONTINENTAL SANGEET

The Asian Study Group – in collaboration with PNCA- is delighted to bring to you an evening of ‘Thumri ‘-a vocal genre or style of sub continental music- connected with dance, dramatic gestures and evocative love poetry !

"Taken from the verb Thumakna... Thumri means to walk with a dancing gait in such a way that the ankle-bells tinkle!

Quicksilver in tone and ardently romantic in spirit, it needs a delicate heart and a supple and soulful voice, capable of expressing several shadings and colours of tones to bring out its beauty..."

Like Sub continental classical music itself, some of these forms have their origin in folk literature and music.

The programme includes-

• A fascinating Multimedia presentation tracing:

-The Origin & Evolution and types of Thumri

-The Benaras, Lucknow & Punjab Ang

- The classical dance 'Kathak' and Thumri

-Thumri in instrumental music

• Performance & Demonstrations

Presenter: ALLY ADNAN

Ally Adnan is a well-known cultural commentator, musicologist and public speaker. He has conducted extensive research on qawwali, thumri and ghazal and is considered a subject matter expert in the field.

Ally resides in the USA, and writes for a large number of international publications . He is an accredited member of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association.

Performance: AKBAR ALI

Equally comfortable in folk and classical music, Akbar Ali is one of Pakistan’s most promising young vocalists- he is one of the few, rare vocalists who can sing in more than fifty ‘taals’! Immensely popular with discerning International & National audiences, he has performed- amongst numerous others-on the well-known and extremely popular platform of ‘Coke Studio’.

Bari Imam (Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi) was a 17th-century Sufi ascetic from Punjab who was the most prominent Sufi of the Qadiriyya order. He learned fiqh, hadith, logic, mathematics, medicine, and other disciplines while very young, and traveled to different places including Kashmir, Badakhshan, Bukhara, Mashhad, Baghdad, and Damascus in pursuit of spiritual knowledge. Loh-e-Dandi was his meditation spot in the mountains.

We will ride to the Nur Pur Shahan Village aka Bari Imam and then towards Loh-e-Dandi. (The road consists of road and off-road patches so we would prefer mountain bikes). We will ride up to a point where cycles can reach, and then to get to Loh-e-Dandi we will have to hike up a bit. Your choice !